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Ask your QuestionCould you tell me what safety precautions are necessary for working with medium-density fibreboard? How does preparing to work with this type of wood differ to working with other types of wood? What tools, equipment and products might I need to consider using with this type of wood, whether for treating it, sustaining it or preparing it for initial installation? Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing back.
Asked by Michael on 29th Jul 2021"Hello, when cutting it is best practice to use dust extraction and a pp3 dust mask as MDF ( medium-density fibreboard) dust can be harmful. In all my years of experience, I have not seen MDF stain only painted. Exposed edges will need additional priming prior to painting."
Answered on 19th Dec 2021 - Member since Dec 2021 - report"In the States its bad there due to its connection with breathing problems and a link to cancer. Make sure you wear a mask, try and cut out doors and hoover up all waste plus a good mop down and keep your windows open. Paint the mdf as soon as you have competed the task.
Peter"
"Hi, I have extensively worked with MDF and as long as you are good at it, it gives an excellent finish. It’s light on blades and router cutters as it doesn’t have a grain, this also can cause difficulties as it holds no strength in the side edges for screws. My advice here is to use a biscuit joiner for connecting edges. Also, a high grit sandpaper in the 500-800 grit will give a lovely polished finish to your paint."
Answered on 26th Oct 2021 - Member since Oct 2020 - report"Wear a Dust mask, use a hoover. It's not different to other types of woodwork"
Answered on 26th Feb 2022 - Member since Jan 2019 - report"MDF stands for medium dense fibreboard, basically dust compressed with glue, always wear the correct face fit Mask, eye protection, gloves."
Answered on 31st Oct 2021 - Member since Oct 2019 - report"Plungesaw and Hoover masks the dust from cutting msg is very fine if painting use pro board which has the better edge when cut"
Answered on 6th Jan 2022 - Member since Oct 2020 - report"Firstly you will 100% need to wear a good dust mask. The dust from mdf is really bad to inhale. Then it's the basics, gloves and safety glasses. A circular saw is ideal for cutting, however provides A lot of dust. A hand saw will provide less that but take A lot longer."
Answered on 5th Aug 2021 - Member since Mar 2021 - report"Always try cutting MDF outside and definitely wear at least an FFP3 mask. And always use a dust extraction system. After you have finish it is equally important to change your work clothes just in case they picked up any dust!"
Answered on 11th Oct 2021 - Member since Dec 2020 - report"With MDF always use extraction if possible. As an absolute minimum use, a dust mask and goggles as MDF is made from tiny fibres glued together and when cut gives off tiny fibre particles that will cause damage to your lungs"
Answered on 31st Dec 2021 - Member since Dec 2021 - report